目に見えない変化の重要性

Today, I would like to talk about capturing the subtle, invisible changes around us, perspectives on various matters, and reflections on the concept of time.

I will share thoughts on the speed of animals, the features of eyes, valuable ancient books, the theory of relativity, observing plants, invisible light, and the unique beauty of ancient Japan.

All these aspects show how we view nature, the world, and the universe. Animals, for instance, are adept at moving quickly and seeing various things with their eyes, demonstrating their adaptation to their environment. Ancient books teach us valuable lessons over time. The theory of relativity offers new perspectives on time and space. In nature, we can observe the growth of trees and grass and the changing seasons, teaching us about the cycle of life. Invisible ultraviolet light is also crucial for animals and plants. The aesthetics of the Heian period, known as “Yugen,” value a beauty that is felt rather than seen. Thus, the speed and vision of animals, ancient books, cosmic theories, changes in nature, invisible light, and the beauty of the past all interconnect, helping us to understand the world and ourselves more deeply.

Comparing the speeds of humans, lions, and domestic cats reveals how each species has evolved and developed survival strategies. Humans, while slower than many animals, excel in endurance. The average adult’s top speed is about 28 kilometers per hour (about 17.5 miles per hour), but their long-distance running ability has played a crucial role in ancient hunting methods. Lions, characterized by their short-distance speed, can accelerate up to about 80 kilometers per hour (about 50 miles per hour), essential for capturing prey. Domestic cats, too, are fast, able to run at speeds of about 30 kilometers per hour (about 19 miles per hour), which helps them catch prey and escape danger. These differences reflect the environments in which each species evolved and the hunting or survival strategies they adopted. Humans, as endurance runners, employed strategies to exhaust prey. Lions, as powerful sprinters, capture prey with rapid acceleration. Domestic cats possess agility and speed for catching small prey. These differences are rooted in each species’ physical characteristics and their role in the ecosystem.

In English, this would be:

Today, I wish to discuss recognizing the subtle, invisible changes in our surroundings, varying perspectives on matters, and contemplations on the concept of time.

I will talk about the speed of animals, characteristics of eyes, important ancient books, the theory of relativity, observing plants, invisible light, and the distinctive beauty of ancient Japan.

These topics illustrate how we perceive nature, the world, and the universe. Animals are adept at rapid movement and seeing various things, showing how well they adapt to their habitats. Ancient books impart enduring lessons through time. The theory of relativity introduces novel ideas about time and space. In nature, observing the growth of trees, grass, and seasonal changes teaches us about the cycle of life. Invisible ultraviolet light is vital for both animals and plants. The Heian period’s aesthetic, “Yugen,” values a deep beauty that is felt rather than seen. Thus, the speed and vision of animals, ancient books, cosmic theories, nature’s transformations, invisible light, and past beauty all interlink, helping us deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves.

Comparing the speeds of humans, lions, and cats highlights their evolutionary paths and survival strategies. Humans, though slower than many animals, have superior endurance. The average adult’s top speed is around 28 kilometers per hour (about 17.5 miles per hour), crucial in ancient hunting. Lions, known for their short-distance speed, can reach up to 80 kilometers per hour (about 50 miles per hour), vital for catching prey. Domestic cats can run at approximately 30 kilometers per hour (about 19 miles per hour), aiding in hunting and escape. These variations reflect the environments each species evolved in and their hunting or survival tactics. Humans, as endurance runners, adopted strategies to outlast prey. Lions, as potent sprinters, catch prey through quick acceleration. Cats have agility and speed for capturing smaller prey. These distinctions stem from each species’ physical traits and ecological roles.

Contemplations – 熟考
Characteristics – 特徴
Ancient – 古代の
Theory of Relativity – 相対性理論
Observing – 観察する
Invisible – 目に見えない
Distinctive – 独特の
Aesthetic – 美学
Perceive – 知覚する
Adapt – 適応する
Enduring – 持続する
Introduces – 導入する
Transformations – 変化
Interlink – 連携する
Evolutionary – 進化の
Survival strategies – 生存戦略
Superior – 優れている
Crucial – 重要な
Distinctions – 違い
Ecological – 生態学的な

Different speeds indeed change how we perceive our world, as speed greatly influences how objects or living beings move through space and experience time. For instance, entities moving at high speeds exhibit behaviors different from those moving slowly. This applies to both animal behavior and the laws of physics.

In the case of beings like humans, lions, and cats, varying speeds alter their hunting, escaping, and exploring strategies. For example, cats, capable of moving very quickly over short distances, use their speed to capture prey. Humans, though relatively slower, excel in endurance and can run long distances.

From a physics perspective, varying speeds also change the way time passes and how objects are positioned relative to each other. According to the theory of relativity, an object moving at very high speeds experiences time differently compared to an object at rest.

Thus, differences in speed impact not only physical movement but also the perception of time and relationships with the environment.

Similarly, the eyes of humans, lions, and cats have evolved to suit their different lifestyles. Human eyes can perceive colors well and see objects in three dimensions, suitable for daily life and detailed tasks. On the other hand, lion eyes are adapted for night vision, with a special layer that captures light in the dark, allowing them to search for prey over a wide field of view. Cat eyes are also strong at night, capable of seeing with minimal light. Their elongated pupils adjust the amount of light, and a reflective layer enhances their night vision. Cats can view a broad area and quickly respond to surrounding movements. These differences are the result of each animal evolving to suit their respective environments. Human eyes are adapted for daytime activities, while lion and cat eyes are suited for nocturnal activities. This is a specialized method for each animal to survive.

In English, this would be:

Different speeds certainly alter our perception of the world. Speed significantly affects how entities move through space and experience time. Entities moving at high velocities display distinct behaviors compared to those moving more slowly, applicable to both animal actions and physical laws.

For creatures like humans, lions, and cats, varying speeds mean different strategies for hunting, escaping, and exploring. Cats, for instance, use their ability to move rapidly over short distances to catch prey. In contrast, humans, though relatively slower, are endowed with endurance, enabling them to run long distances.

From a physics standpoint, differences in speed also modify how time passes and the relative positioning of objects. As per the theory of relativity, an object traveling at extremely high speeds experiences time at a different rate than a stationary object.

Therefore, speed differences affect not just physical motion but also time perception and environmental interactions.

Likewise, the eyes of humans, lions, and cats have evolved to match their distinct ways of life. Human eyes are good at discerning colors and viewing objects in three dimensions, ideal for daily activities and intricate tasks. Conversely, lion eyes are adapted for low-light conditions, with a unique layer for capturing light in darkness, aiding in prey detection across a wide view. Cat eyes are also effective in the dark, able to see with minimal light, thanks to their vertical pupils and a reflective layer that enhances their night vision. Cats can observe a wide area and swiftly react to movements around them. These variances are outcomes of each animal’s evolutionary adaptation to their environments. Human eyes are suited for daytime functions, whereas lion and cat eyes are tailored for nocturnal activities, exemplifying each species’ survival strategies.

Perception – 認識
Influences – 影響する
Entities – 実体、存在
Velocities – 速度
Distinct – 明確な
Behaviors – 行動
Applicable – 適用可能な
Strategies – 戦略
Endowed – 授けられた
Standpoint – 観点
Modifies – 変更する
Stationary – 静止した
Affect – 影響を与える
Interactions – 相互作用
Evolved – 進化した
Discerning – 見分ける
Intricate – 複雑な
Conversely – 逆に
Adapted – 適応した
Nocturnal – 夜行性の

First, let’s talk about the time axis. Isn’t it moving when you encounter a masterpiece from the past and find that the author, despite living in a different era, shared similar concerns as you? This illustrates how universal issues and themes pondered by ancient writers and thinkers still resonate with our experiences today. Old literary works and historical narratives have long dealt with common human themes like love, loss, self-discovery, and the moral choices between good and evil. These themes frequently appear in ancient books worldwide. This idea suggests that by relating our troubles to those depicted in old works, we can find comfort and answers. Reading classical literature allows us to understand the perspectives of people from different eras and cultures, giving us new insights into our experiences.

For example, the “Pillow Book” from the Heian period and the “Hōjōki” from the Kamakura period express human inner conflicts and joys through the authors’ personal feelings and everyday life. Reading these works allows us to compare our struggles and emotions with those of people from the past, feeling a connection to the universal nature of human experience.

In the previous section, I discussed the concept of the time axis. In Western civilization, some thinkers considered things in terms of XYZ space and a time axis. One such thinker was Albert Einstein. Let’s talk about Einstein’s theory of relativity. This theory explains that the speed and mass of objects can alter time. For instance, it suggests that objects moving at very high speeds may experience time more slowly. This is exemplified by the idea that astronauts returning from space missions might be slightly younger than if they had stayed on Earth due to the difference in time progression. Also, in places with significant mass, time can feel slightly different. These concepts lead us to imagine phenomena reminiscent of a time machine.

In English, this would be:

Let’s talk about the axis of time. Isn’t it remarkable when you encounter a classic from the past and realize that the author, from a different time, shared similar troubles as you? It demonstrates how universal problems and themes contemplated by ancient writers and philosophers still echo in our experiences today. Age-old literary works and historical stories have addressed perennial human issues such as love, loss, self-discovery, and the ethical choices between right and wrong. These themes are common in ancient texts from around the world. This concept implies that we can find solace and answers by relating our issues to those in old works. Reading classic literature helps us comprehend the thoughts of people from different times and cultures, offering new perspectives on our experiences.

For instance, the “Pillow Book” from the Heian era and “Hōjōki” from the Kamakura era convey human inner conflicts and joys through the authors’ personal sentiments and daily life. By reading these texts, we can juxtapose our own issues and emotions with those from the past, sensing a connection to the universal aspects of humanity.

Previously, I discussed the time axis. In Western civilization, some thinkers, like Albert Einstein, conceptualized things in terms of XYZ space and a time axis. I’ll now discuss Einstein’s theory of relativity. This theory posits that the speed and mass of objects can affect time. For example, it proposes that objects moving at extremely high speeds might experience time more slowly. This concept is illustrated by astronauts returning from space missions being slightly younger than if they had remained on Earth, due to differing time progression. Also, in areas with substantial mass, time can be perceived differently. These ideas evoke notions akin to a time machine.

Axis – 軸
Masterpiece – 傑作
Contemplated – 熟考した
Resonate – 共鳴する
Perennial – 永続的な
Narratives – 物語
Ethical – 倫理的な
Solace – 慰め
Comprehend – 理解する
Perspectives – 視点
Juxtapose – 並列する
Sensing – 感じ取る
Conceptualized – 概念化した
Posits – 提案する
Affect – 影響する
Proposes – 提案する
Illustrated – 示す
Differing – 異なる
Perceived – 知覚される
Evoke – 呼び起こす

While global changes are important, it’s also crucial to approach changes in our immediate surroundings with curiosity. Such curiosity undoubtedly gives rise to great scientists. I’ll talk about morning glories, which I learned about in elementary school.

Observing morning glory flowers is one way to learn about nature’s changes. Morning glories open in the morning and close at night. Observing the soil teaches us how plants grow. Observing a sister’s feelings helps understand human emotional changes. Thus, we can sense the continual changes in nature and within our families. This teaches us that by closely observing how our world operates, we can gain a deeper understanding.

Is everything in this world visible to the eye? Let’s discuss light. The phrase “X-rays, ultraviolet rays, gamma rays, there are types of light that are not visible light” speaks about light and its variants. This includes not only the light we can see (visible light) but also the invisible light.

X-rays, with their short wavelengths, are used to see inside the body. Doctors use X-rays to take pictures of bones and internal organs. Ultraviolet rays, invisible light from the sun, affect the skin. Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet rays, but a small amount is beneficial.

Gamma rays, with even shorter wavelengths, are used in medicine and industry. These are also a type of invisible light. “Light,” as we commonly refer to it, is the light we can see with our eyes, used to distinguish colors.

However, the statement “there are types of light that are not visible light” refers to invisible lights like X-rays and ultraviolet rays. These are also types of light, though invisible to our eyes.

These lights have different wavelengths and uses. Knowing these differences is important for understanding science and for practical use in everyday life.

In English, this would be:

While changes on Earth are significant, it’s equally important to approach the changes around us with curiosity. This curiosity is undoubtedly the driving force behind many great scientists. Let me share about morning glories, a topic I learned in elementary school.

Observing morning glory flowers is a method to understand nature’s transformations. Morning glories bloom in the morning and close at night. Studying the soil helps us learn how plants grow. Observing a sister’s emotions aids in comprehending changes in human feelings. In this way, we can perceive ongoing changes in nature and within our families. This shows that by attentively observing how our world functions, we can attain a deeper comprehension.

Is everything in this world visible? Now, I’ll discuss light. The phrase “X-rays, ultraviolet rays, gamma rays, there are types of light that are not visible light” refers to light and similar phenomena. It includes not just visible light, which we can see, but also invisible light.

X-rays have short wavelengths and are used to see inside the body. Doctors use X-rays for imaging bones and internal organs. Ultraviolet rays, invisible light from the sun, affect our skin. Sunburn is a result of ultraviolet rays, yet a small amount is beneficial.

Gamma rays, with even shorter wavelengths, are utilized in medical and industrial applications. They are another form of invisible light. When we speak of “light,” it generally refers to the visible spectrum, used to discern colors.

However, “there are types of light that are not visible light” points to invisible lights like X-rays and ultraviolet rays. These too are forms of light, just not visible to our eyes.

Each type of light has its own wavelength and specific applications. Understanding these differences is vital for grasping scientific concepts and for practical applications in daily life.

Immediate – 直接的な、即座の
Curiosity – 好奇心
Undoubtedly – 間違いなく
Observing – 観察する
Continual – 継続的な
Comprehension – 理解
Significant – 重要な
Practical – 実用的な
Transformations – 変化
Wavelengths – 波長
Utilized – 利用される
Applications – 応用
Visible Spectrum – 可視光スペクトル
Discern – 識別する
Grasping – 理解する
Concepts – 概念

In the Heian period, the aesthetic of Yūgen represented the beauty of space or “ma” from an artistic perspective. “Yūgen” refers to a traditional Japanese concept of beauty, emphasizing a profound beauty felt with the heart more than seen with the eyes. This aesthetic values a quiet, delicate beauty that is often hard to express in words. It favors simplicity with deep meaning over flamboyance, cherishing the beauty of nature. For example, beauty is found in things that might not usually attract attention, like fallen leaves.

Yūgen leads to introspection and calming the mind. Often, beauty is not shown directly, leaving space for imagination. In classical literature like waka and haiku, Yūgen expresses the transient beauty of nature and the changing seasons. Japanese gardens use elements like rocks, water, and moss to showcase serene beauty, and the tea ceremony embodies the spirit of Yūgen through the tea room, utensils, and the ritual of tea preparation.

Thus, Yūgen’s aesthetic values the beauty felt in the heart over visual appeal, promoting quiet and deep thoughts and emotions. It is an essential aspect of Japanese culture, encouraging a profound appreciation of beauty beyond mere appearance.

Aesthetic – 美学
Perspective – 観点
Profound – 深い
Delicate – 繊細な
Flamboyance – 派手さ
Simplicity – 単純さ
Cherishing – 大切にする
Introspection – 内省
Transient – 一時的な
Elements – 要素
Serene – 穏やかな
Embodies – 具現する
Utensils – 道具
Ritual – 儀式
Promoting – 促進する
Appreciation – 評価、感謝

In Western civilization, the elucidation of invisible light, especially ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays, can be viewed in the context of scientific advancement. These discoveries were a significant part of the progress in physics and chemistry from the 19th to the 20th centuries. Scientists understood the existence of these wavelengths and unraveled their properties. For instance, X-rays were discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Röntgen, revolutionizing medical diagnostics. Similarly, ultraviolet and gamma rays have impacted not only fundamental physics research but also fields like medicine, astronomy, and material science.

Conversely, the aesthetic of Yūgen, formed during Japan’s Heian period, is rooted in a cultural and philosophical context distinctly different from Western scientific inquiry. Yūgen values the suggestion and implication over direct expression, finding profound worth in the unseen and unexpressed emotions. This aesthetic has influenced various art forms in Japan, such as poetry, literature, painting, and garden design, reflecting delicacy, subtle emotions, harmony with nature, and deep, unspoken feelings.

There is a stark contrast between these two realms. The Western scientific approach focuses on elucidating the physical properties of invisible light and its practical applications. In contrast, Heian period Yūgen aesthetics values the unseen and inexpressible feelings and sensations of beauty, elevating them into artistic expressions. Such differences between scientific exploration and artistic expression highlight the cultural backgrounds and values of the West and East.

Paying attention to invisible changes is crucial in various fields like science, society, psychology, and personal growth. In science, observing phenomena like microbial activities or chemical reactions, which are invisible, leads to new discoveries and technological advancements. In social and economic realms, detecting subtle changes in consumer behavior or market trends early is essential for business strategies and policy-making. In psychology, understanding the psychological motives behind an individual’s emotions and behavior aids in deepening relationships and effective communication. In learning and personal growth, noticing and valuing small changes helps maintain motivation and enhance self-awareness. Careful observation of these changes is vital for deeper understanding and insight, and it also assists in developing effective approaches to complex problems.

Elucidation – 明らかにすること
Ultraviolet rays – 紫外線
Gamma rays – ガンマ線
Advancement – 進歩
Wavelengths – 波長
Unraveled – 解明する
Diagnostics – 診断
Fundamental – 基本的な
Astronomy – 天文学
Material Science – 材料科学
Philosophical – 哲学的な
Implication – 暗示
Unexpressed – 表現されていない
Harmony – 調和
Elucidating – 明らかにする
Inexpressible – 言葉にできない
Sensations – 感覚
Microbial – 微生物の
Technological – 技術的な
Consumer behavior – 消費者行動
Psychological motives – 心理的動機
Self-awareness – 自己認識
Insight – 洞察